The
ESOL Program at AST
The
American School in Taichung ESOL program is designed
to support student success in the mainstream program
while developing English language ability. While the
basic goals remain the same, the program is structured
differently at every level. Please see ESOL
Program Book for greater detail.
Elementary
ESOL Program Description:
The goal of the elementary ESOL program is to provide
a supportive environment in which ESOL students will
enjoy the challenge of learning a second language.
There are two components of the elementary ESOL program:
pull-out and inclusion. Working closely with the classroom
teachers, the ESOL teachers will provide an individualized
“language program” for each ESOL student based on
student needs.
Objectives:
�� Develop learning strategies to facilitate success
in the mainstream program.
�� Use English to achieve academically in all content
areas.
�� Use English to communicate in social settings.
Pull-Out
Program:
Pull-out ESOL classes are designed to target specific
language skills. The results of individual student
assessments are used to create focused lessons in
a language rich environment, while grade level content
is integrated into these lessons when appropriate.
The pull-out program is a progression through the
four processes of language arts: listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. These small classes provide
a secure environment to allow experimentation and
development of the student’s language skills.
Inclusion:
In the inclusion program, the ESOL teacher works closely
with the classroom teacher to provide an individual
“language program” within the mainstream classroom.
On a daily basis, the ESOL teacher supports students
in their classroom to develop their English while
working on regular content material. This allows students
to participate fully in their classroom activities
while receiving ESOL instruction and support. This
multi-level grouping of ESOL and mainstream students,
also allows students to interact more fully in the
English language. When a student can participate fully
in class without outside support, they will have an
opportunity to exit the ESOL program.
Assessment:
Academic Performance: writing samples, report card
grades
Classroom Teacher Recommendation
Classroom Observation by ESOL Teacher: social skills,
listening skills, oral skills
Standard Writing Assessment
ESOL Teacher and ESOL Department Head Approval
Middle
School ESOL Program
Program Description:
The middle school ESOL program at AST consists of
English pullout classes and support classes if needed
based on student language proficiency and progress.
It is expected that students will be mainstreamed
in two-three years and admissions standards are applied
with this in mind.
Objectives:
�� Develop learning strategies to facilitate success
in the mainstream program.
�� Use English to achieve academically in all content
areas.
�� Use English to communicate in social settings.
�� Transition naturally from previous schools while
developing academic and social English skills.
High School ESOL Program
Program Description:
The high school ESOL program at American School in
Taichung is a pullout “support” program for grades
9 and 10 that develops the language skills students
need to meet the academic requirements of the mainstream
curriculum; support is focused on the students’ English,
Social Studies, and Science classes. In place of two
of their daily electives, students take two ESOL support
classes: a Language Support and a Science Support.
ESOL is offered at the ninth and tenth grade levels
only; students are expected to demonstrate independence
by the end of their tenth grade year, and no ESOL
students are admitted into eleventh and twelfth grades.
Objectives:
�� Develop learning strategies to facilitate success
in the mainstream program.
�� Use English to achieve academically in all content
areas.
�� Use English to communicate in social settings.
�� Transition naturally from previous schools while
developing academic and social English skills.
